Two goals and a man-of-the-match performance from Jamie Johnston ensured that Rushen United were comfortable 4-1 winners over in-form Marown at Crosby on Tuesday evening.

It was certainly a much-improved performance from the southerners who struggled to beat Ramsey on Saturday as they continue their pursuit of Canada Life Premier League champions-elect Corinthians.

Liam Cowin’s men certainly appeared to mean business from the off and Aaron Hawley fired the visitors in front at the second attempt with only nine minutes on referee Anthony Page’s watch.

Then midway through the half Jack Snidal, whose performance also caught the eye, doubled the lead with a superbly-placed free-kick. But only minutes later, at the other end, the hosts pulled one back when a Matty McQuarrie free-kick was deflected past stand-in keeper Dan Hattersley.

Johnston created the first chance to resort the visitors’ advantage, minutes after the restart, but his effort was saved by keeper Nathan Teare.

The powerful striker, however, made amends soon after as he picked his way past the home defence before firing home the third.

Marown then enjoyed their best spell of the contest and it required a fine reaction save from replacement keeper Hawley to deny a well-struck effort from Joey Rothwell.

The visitors, though, continued to look dangerous on the break with further strikes from Johnston and Jamie Cadwallader requiring impressive saves from the busy keeper Teare.

And it was Johnston who wrapped up the victory late on with a well-placed header from a corner.

ERIC CLAGUE